Just a 90 minute drive from Phoenix in the heart of rim country, you will find this little gem. With the East Verde river running all around you, many hiking trails, rivers and lakes nearby, it is a fisherman and nature lovers dream. Nestled in the trees and backing to the Tonto forest, in the highly sought after Whispering Pines neighborhood, you’d never guess you were just minutes from restaurants and shopping (10 mile; 20 min drive into Payson)!

BRAND NEW MINI SPLIT COOLING & HEATING SYSTEM INSTALLED JULY 2021!!!

Calendar updated through May 2022. For bookings beyond that, please message host to inquire about specific dates.

We welcome small to medium dogs (with a $30 pet fee), however we ask that you keep them out of the lower level of the cabin and suggest that you keep them leashed or close by at all times when outside so that they don’t run off and get lost in the forest.

On any given day, you are bound to see (& hear) many different forms of wild life including elk, rabbits, hummingbirds, hawks, coyotes, bobcats, a myriad of birds, and free-range cows to name a few. And the fishing in the East Verde river - just a 5 minute walk away - is out of this world...fully stocked with trout all year round! Please note that the water level in the river is lower this year (2021) - and in some parts dry - due to the drought that AZ has experienced.

The space
Welcome to Backwoods. This newly remodeled, 2 bedroom/2 bath 1100 SF cozy cottage is located in the heart of the Tonto forest and is designed for privacy, with an elevated wrap-around deck with built in bench seating, an outdoor dining table for 6, hammocks (perfect for a quick afternoon nap), propane grill (propane provided) and propane heater and fire pit (please bring your own propane tank for the heater and fire pit). You'll have the full cottage to yourself, with sleeping arrangements for up to 8 (1 Bdrm with King bed, 1 Bdrm with Queen bed, pull out sleeper sofa with full size memory foam mattress, queen luxury double high air mattress with built-in pump), two full bathrooms, and all the essentials: fridge, stove/oven, microwave, fully stocked coffee bar (just bring your own coffee), complimentary wi-fi, DVD players (& tons of movies), cable and smart TVs (in each bedroom and the two living rooms). There is a wood burning stove in the living room which warms up the entire upper level of the cabin, just bring your own wood and enjoy a cozy fire. The cabin is equipped with a mini-split cooling and heating system. There is also a swamp cooler in the lower level bedroom that can be used if needed, as well as wall fans installed in both living rooms and the lower level bedroom, and a ceiling fan in the master bedroom. There is a ceramic water cooler in the kitchen - you are welcome to bring your own 5 gallon jug of water and use it.

Whispering Pines is located in northern Gila County in the upper valley of the East Verde River, between Washington Park to the north and Beaver Valley to the south. It is 12 miles (19 km) north of Payson.


Other things to note
For half of the year, there are federal fire restrictions in place - which means no camp fires. However, there is a private propane fire pit for our guests to use throughout the year - just bring your own propane tank and hook it up. During burn season, we leave a wood burning fire pit out for our guests to use. We just ask that you be sure the fire is completely out before you head in for the night.

The driveway can accommodate about 5 medium size vehicles if you park side-by-side and back-to-back - there is a small inlet in the right of the driveway that can accommodate a small to medium sized vehicle.

Early check-in and late check-out may be available for a $15 fee and must be approved by host in advance of your stay.

As we wish to be able to continue to share our cabin with others, please respect our home as you would your own. You may be charged for any damages incurred during your stay.
Guest access
Entire home
Other things to note
- Visitor Information Instructions and Emergency Contact Information can be found on the peg board in the upper level of the cabin.

- Local guidebook binder can be found on the kitchen table.

- Both bedrooms, the kitchen and lower-level living room are equipped with baseboard heaters if needed for extra warmth.

- There are space heaters in both bedroom closets if you need them for extra warmth.

- There is an electric fireplace in the lower level living room that heats up the space exceptionally well. You can use this in lieu of the baseboard heater if you prefer.

- There are wall fans installed in both living rooms and the lower level bedroom that work great for added cooling. The master bedroom is equipped with a ceiling fan for the same.

- There’s a swamp cooler in the lower bedroom closet if needed for added cooling.

- Pantry contains owners personally food and other effects, so it is kept locked at all times.

- Guests are welcome to use board games and cards that are kept in the desk cabinet.